Top LuLu executive to US companies: ‘Now is right time to invest in Qatar, region’

On the heels of the historic visit of US President Donald J Trump to the Gulf, a top official of retail giant LuLu Group has called on American companies to pour investments in the Gulf region, particularly Qatar, saying “the time is now.”

Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the launching of ‘British Food Week’, which will run at all LuLu hypermarkets in Qatar, Dr Mohamed Althaf, Director, LuLu Group International, underlined the country’s investment potential for businesses seeking access to the Qatari market.

“Now is the best time for US businesses to invest in Qatar. Despite the country’s geography, the country’s enormous potential and reach are impressive. Qatar’s investments in logistics and global trade make this an opportune moment,” Althaf pointed out, citing Qatar’s growing investments in logistics and global trade as key drivers.

Althaf, who participated in the recently held ‘SelectUSA Investment Summit 2025’ in Maryland, also pointed to the strong private sector presence in both countries, saying Qatar and the US “have a very vibrant private sector with deep pockets.”

He said, “Historically, businesses trust countries where governments invest. So we think there will be a lot of private sector opportunities coming up with these partnerships, both ways.”

According to Althaf, private sector engagement will significantly benefit businesses in both regions: “This is going to be huge for the private sector. Wherever government investments occur, auxiliary industries and businesses thrive.”

Aside from private sector participation, Althaf also highlighted Qatar’s openness to trade, citing tariffs and market access: “This region, and particularly Qatar, imposes no tariffs; Qatar is already a tariff-free country and a leader in free trade.”

Amid the uncertainties facing global trade, Althaf expressed optimism and confidence in Qatar-US relations, saying, “This corridor is going to thrive. There is absolutely no doubt about it.”

Looking forward, Althaf underscored the potential of a Qatar-US free trade agreement. “We already have substantial trade, but formalising a free trade agreement would reinforce what is already happening. A pan-GCC-US free trade agreement would also be beneficial,” he emphasised.

Althaf further said, “Large corporations are tired of navigating bureaucratic hurdles. A free trade agreement would be a tremendous opportunity for growth. Furthermore, Qatar’s investments never come with policy conditions or restrictions. Qatar invests in sectors requiring substantial capital, making it a highly attractive investor.”

Althaf also addressed Qatar’s approach to investments, noting that the country is investing in sectors that require significant capital. “Qatar is one of the best investors a country can get,” he said.